Muddy sloughs are beautiful but can pose unique hiking challenges. They are full of what we call "boot sucking mud" that can turn a peaceful walk into a wet, filthy trauma. I have friends who used inflatable mattresses to rescue a co-hiker stuck and unable to free themselves from stinky, thigh deep intertidal mud. We usually take the route closer to the trees, longer but less likely to be eventful. Photographer: Bill Eichenlaub